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Got milk? New bill hopes to boost milk sales for NH dairy farmers

CONCORD — New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu is poised to sign the NH Dairy Premium Bill on Aug. 7 that will allow people to show their support of local dairy farmers by buying specially labeled milk for an extra 50 cents per gallon.

Sununu will join Agriculture Commissioner, Shawn Jasper and representatives of the New Hampshire Dairy Industry at Morrill Farm Dairy in Penacook for the signing into law of HB 476, the NH Dairy Premium Bill.

The event will take place at 10 a.m. and is open to the public.

The purpose of the bill is to provide a way for the people to show their support for New Hampshire dairy farmers by purchasing specially -labeled milk at a 50-cent per gallon premium.

The premium payments from milk sales will be collected from the milk processors by the NH Dept. of Agriculture, Markets & Food, which will make payments to New Hampshire dairy farmers.

Premiums will be paid on milk in labeled containers sold in New Hampshire. All participating milk products will be identified with a program logo.

Producers of New Hampshire dairy products other than fluid milk may also opt to participate in the program. The program will be managed by a Dairy Premium Fund Board, established by the Commissioner of Agriculture. Once the bill is signed it is anticipated that the premium milk will be available before the end of this year.